Kit and method for measuring the activity of deoxynucleoside kinase

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a kit comprising a DNA-dependant DNA polymerase and at least one natural deoxynucleoside and to a kit comprising a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and a detection system comprising a DNA template molecule, a DNA primer molecule, and a fluorescent moiety capable of being displaced from, or bound to, dsDNA synthesized by said DNA-dependent polymerase. It further relates to A method for measuring deoxynucleoside kinase activity in a sample characterized by; (i) contacting the sample, in a container, with a reaction mix comprising a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, at least one deoxynucleoside and a detection system comprising a DNA template molecule, a DNA primer molecule, and a fluorescent moiety capable of being incorporated in, displaced from, or bound to dsDNA synthesized by said DNA dependent polymerase; (ii) incubating said container; (iii) measuring the signal from the fluorescent moiety; and correlating the signal from the fluorescent moiety to the deoxynucleoside kinase activity in the sample.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/697,279, filed Nov. 9, 2012, which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/SE2011/050605, filed May 13, 2011, which in turn claims priority to Swedish Patent Application No. 1050473-6, filed May 14, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into the present disclosure.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Aug. 23, 2018, is named 102796-0171₁₃ Sequence₁₃ Listing.txt and is 5,898 bytes in size.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to kit and method for homogenous, i.e. non-solidphase, determination in real-time of one or several deoxyribonucleoside kinases in a sample for the diagnosis of disease, disorder, infection, both viral and bacterial, or cancer.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Deoxyribonucleoside Kinases

In eukaryotic cells there exist at least three deoxyribonucleoside kinases, thymidine kinase 1 and 2, TK and TK2, deoxycytidine kinase, dCK and deoxyguanosine kinase, dGK.

There exist two human gene loci encoding the two different thymidine kinases. Thymidine kinase can be found in the cytosol of the cell. Thymidine kinase 2 is localized in the mitochondrion and participates in mitochondrial DNA synthesis. TK2 has a different amino acid sequence, substrate specificity and expression profile from thymidine kinase 1.

Thymidine kinase 1 activity is most pronounced from the end of the G1 phase and through the S phase of the cell cycle. TK and dCK are responsible for regulating the pools of TTP and dCTP in the cell through the salvage pathway. The TK enzyme is the enzyme that catalyses the transformation of thymidine to thymidine monophosphate (TMP) in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Deoxycytidine kinase, activity is found during the whole cell cycle and is primarily identified in cells of lymphoid origin. TK2 is located in the mitochondrion and has an almost equal affinity for dC as dCK.

Diagnosis of Disease

In the early 1980-ies it was shown that thymidine kinase activity not only can be detected in serum from patients affected with various tumour diseases but varied extensively from healthy human individuals that normally exhibit very low TK activity

The use of TK as a single tumour marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of haematological cancer diseases is now widely accepted. In certain instances TK has shown direct diagnostic capabilities.

The activity of TK and other deoxyribonucleoside kinases was early correlated to disease, which is summarised in reviews by Eriksson et al. 2002 and by Topolcan and Holubec 2008.

TK2 has been connected to mitochondrial diseases.

Assays for Determination of Deoxyribonucleoside Kinases

Radioactive substrates, such as ³H-thymidine, have been widely used for determination of TK and dCK activity in the filter-binding assays. For routine clinical diagnostics, radioactive based assays are not an attractive option.

During the last years several attempt has been made to develop non-radioactive based assays, all of these better in one way or the other. Below follow a set of methods, assays and reagent compositions used in the detection of different deoxyribonucleoside kinases.

In EP1385005 a non-radioactive TK activity based assay based on competitive mono-phosphorylation of azidothymidine (AZT) is presented. This technology has been further developed into an automated 2-step LIAISON® luminometric diagnostic assay by Diasorin S.r.I. In this two-step assay, AZT is first phosphorylated to monophosphorylated AZTMP by the TK present in a sample. Then luminescence is next detected from AZTMP conjugated to isoluminol (AZTMP-ABEI) which is competing with the TK phosphorylated AZTMP on solid surface substrate bound anti-AZTMP antibodies. The major drawback of this two-step assay is the limited dynamic reading. Another drawback is the use if modified nucleoside substrate in place of the natural thymidine.

In WO2009/063254 a semi-homogenous method for the determination of TK activity in a sample by the use of monophosphorylated Br-dU which is separated by HPLC and detected by UV is disclosed. Disadvantage with this method is that the reaction is done with a modified substrate and the detection is done in a separate step.

US2008/248472 discloses a solid phase assay utilizing complementation of TK activity, in a sample, by deoxyribonucleoside kinases in the reagent mix for production of Br-dUTP, which is a derivative of the natural TTP. The Br-dUTP is subsequently incorporated by primer extension using a RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The solid phase bound RNA template is build of the monomer rA and is 200-400 monomers long, and attached to solid phase. Incorporated [Br]U is detected in the second step using an anti-[Br]dU alkaline phosphatase conjugated antibody in an ELISA for final determination of TK activity. This two-step assay is cumbersome to perform with many manual interaction steps and takes excessively long time to execute.

Reliable assays for measuring dCK activity in a sample have not yet been presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the salvage pathway for producing TTP and dCTP

FIG. 2 depicts the principle of detection system 2 of the method according to the invention. SEQ ID NO.: 13 is shown.

FIG. 3 depicts the principle of detection system 3 of the method according to the invention. SEQ ID NOs.: 14-18 are shown.

FIG. 4 depicts the principle of detection system 1 of the method according to the invention. SEQ ID NOs.: 19-21 are shown.

FIG. 5 Fluorescence curves obtained by real-time fluorescence capture reaching threshold level Ct from Example 3 for hrTK1 standard points.

FIG. 6 Linear regression on a logarithmic scale on mean Ct values from Example 3 for hrTK1 standard points.

FIG. 7 Linear regression on a logarithmic scale on mean Ct values from Example 4 for hrdCK standard points.

FIG. 8 Linear regressions on a logarithmic scale from Example 7, multiplexing hrTK1 together with hrdCK.

FIG. 9 Linear regressions on a logarithmic scale from measuring TK1 in canine serum samples and hrTK1 standard points used in Example 8.

FIG. 10 Linearly normalised fluorescence curves obtained by real-time fluorescence capture reaching threshold level Ct from Example 9.

FIG. 11 Linear regressions on a logarithmic scale on mean Ct values from Example 9 from pathogenic canine serum and hrTK1 standard points.

FIG. 12 Linearly and dynamic tube normalised fluorescence obtained by real-time fluorescence capture reaching threshold level Ct from Example 10.

FIG. 13 Linear regression on a logarithmic scale on mean Ct values from Example 10 for hrTK1 standard points.

DEFINITIONS

All terms and words in the present specification should be construed according to their normal meaning and use in the relevant art. For the sake of clarity, a few terms are more specifically discussed below.

Thymidine and deoxythymidine is used inter changeable during the entire invention, unless otherwise indicated.

Homogenous assay is a non-solid phase assay which generates signal while the primer-template system is being extended, requiring minimal post-primer extension handling. These assays require no separation steps. The reactions occur completely in solution without beads or solid phase attachments to interfere with low affinity interactions. Homogenous assay methods are essential for the throughputs required in drug discovery and for assay miniaturization. In any homogenous assay, all the components of the assay are present during measurement. The elimination of separation steps is the major advantage of these assays, but this presents difficulties because of non-specific measurement of the assay constituents (source: www.genomicglossaries.com, retrieved 28 Apr. 2010.)

Deoxynucleoside is a molecule composed of a nitrogenous base attached to the five-carbon sugar deoxyribose. Deoxynucleosides are often referred to as simply base bound to a deoxyribose sugar. Natural deoxynucleosides are defined as non-modified deoxynucleosides. Examples of these include cytidine, uridine, adenosine, guanosine, thymidine and inosine.

Natural deoxynucleosides are deoxynucleosides in the form present in wild type living organisms, such as humans.

Modified deoxynucleosides, also called nucleoside analogues, are deoxynucleosides with any type of modification on the glycosylamine or the nucleobase. In medicine several nucleoside analogues are used as antiviral or anticancer agents. Examples of modified deoxynucleoside are azidothymidine (AZT), Bromo-deoxyUridine (Br-dU), Iodo-deoxyUridine, Vinyl-deoxythymidine and fluoro-deoxyuridine.

DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the assembly of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates into deoxyribonucleic acid, with single-stranded DNA serving as the template. In some literature DNA dependent DNA polymerases may also be called DNA-directed DNA polymerase.

A DNA-dependent DNA polymerase may have three distinct enzymatic activities: (a) a 5′ to 3′ polymerase activity which, under the direction of a template DNA, catalyzes the addition of mononucleotide units, produced from deoxynucleoside 5′-triphosphates, to the 3′-hydroxyl terminus of a primer chain; (b) a 5′ to 3′ exonuclease active only on duplex DNA; (c) a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease primarily active on single-stranded DNA which can selectively remove mismatched terminal nucleotides. Note that besides DNA polymerase I, and Tag DNA polymerase and Tth polymerase from Thermus thermofilus are the only so far identified DNA-dependent polymerase with 5′→3′ exonuclease activity.

DNA template molecule is a ssDNA molecule serving as a template for a DNA dependent DNA polymerase.

DNA primer molecule is a short DNA molecule complementary to a stretch of a DNA template molecule and serves as a primer for the DNA polymerisation by a DNA dependent DNA polymerase.

Intact form: A DNA probe used in the present invention is said to be in its intact form when it is in the form it is in before any polymerase reaction according the invention is performed.

Salvage synthesis pathway is depicted in FIG. 1. is one of the route for synthesis of TTP and dCTP.

TTP and dCTP are triphosphates of the corresponding deoxynucleosides of thymidine and deoxycytidine. These are produced by firstly by transferring a phosphate group from e.g. ATP with help of a deoxyribonucleoside kinase, which will generate the corresponding monophosphate, TMP or dCMP.

dTMP kinase and cytidylate kinase catalyses the formation to the of the corresponding diphosphate nucleoside, TDP and dCDP.

nucleoside-diphosphate kinase converts the di-phosphates to the final triphosphate nucleotides.

RNA-dependent DNA polymerase is the enzyme which catalyses the assembly of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates into deoxyribonucleic acid, with single-stranded RNA serving as the template during the first strand synthesis.

Abbreviations Used

-   ATP Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate -   AZTMP Azido-thymidine monophosphate -   BrdU BromodeoxyUridine -   dCDP deoxyCytidine diphosphate -   dCK deoxyCytidine kinase EC 2.7.1.21; ATP:     cytidine—5′-phopsphotransferase -   dCMP deoxyCytidine Monophosphate -   dCMPK Cytidylate kinase: EC 2.7.4.14; ATP:dCMP phosphotransferase -   dsDNA double-stranded DNA -   hrdCK Human recombinant deoxynucleoside kinase -   hrTK1 Human recombinant Thymidine kinase 1 -   MMX MasterMix [reagent mixture without sample] -   NdPK Nucleoside-diphosphate kinases: EC 2.7.4.6;     ATP:nucleoside-diphosphate phosphotransferase -   hrTK1 Human recombinant Thymidine kinase 1 -   ssDNA single-stranded DNA -   TDP deoxyThymidine diphosphate -   TK Thymidine kinase: EC 2.7.1.21; ATP:     thymidine—5′-phopsphotransferase -   TMPK dTMP kinase: EC 2.7.4.9; ATP:TMP phosphotransferase -   TMP deoxyThymidine Monophosphate

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide a general and improved method and kit for detection of deoxyribonucleoside kinase activity(ies). The present inventors have found that there is still a need for an activity based deoxyribonucleoside kinase activity assay kit and method that can detect, not only TK in a sample, but also to testing for dCK e.g. for drug resistance development monitoring during cancer treatment, and which is robust in performance, fast, simple, user-friendly and which is safe for clinical use.

The use of dCK as a diagnostic tool for cancer disease management has not yet found its clinical application. However, several nucleoside analogues, used in cancer treatment such as cytarabine and the newer gemcitabine, are activated by dCK and it is therefore of paramount importance to find efficient solutions for simple determination of resistance development since resistance has been linked to dCK deficiency.

The invention is summarized in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Taq DNA polymerase is a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus. Taq polymerase, or simply Taq, has an optimal temperature interval between 65 to 75° C. The Taq DNA polymerase also incorporates 5′ to 3′ nuclease activity.

Unexpectedly it was found that the rest-activity of Taq DNA polymerase at 37° C., with respect to both primer extension and 5′ to 3′ nuclease activity was sufficient enough to release a 5′ bound fluorescent marker from a fluorescently dually labelled probe of which one is transferring its energy, quenching, to the other which releases the energy into heat instead of light.

It would thus be possible to measure a deoxyribonucleoside kinase activity in real-time instead of determining the end-point enzyme activity compared to previously presented detection methods for deoxyribonucleoside kinases.

Real-time determination in nucleic acid amplification assay systems has, besides improved sensitivity, the advantages of rapidity, improved resolution, and better precision.

It was also argued that in order for a homogenous deoxyribonucleoside kinase activity assay to be competing with current assays on the market it must be able to measure these activities from healthy volunteers (e.g. from 0.5 U/l to 7 U/l) within 5 h from assay start.

In previous attempts no results were unfortunately, obtained with the primer extension and the 5′-nuclease reaction at 37° C. using the Taq DNA polymerase. Therefore, it was argued and hypothesised, the primer extension reaction and the 5′ nuclease reaction of the Taq DNA polymerase could be substituted by the same activities from Escherichia coli DNA-dependent DNA polymerase I thus preserving the real-time aspect of a homogenous assay. Disappointingly it turned out that the DNA polymerase I could not be used since this enzyme un-specifically releases the 5′ bound fluorophore.

Therefore, it was again argued, the true real-time approach using only one incubation temperature for both reactions must be abandon and replaced with a two-step, temperature shift, procedure, i.e. (1) the TTP or dCTP production had to occur at 37° C., (2) the primer extension coupled 5′-nuclease fluorophore release ha to be incubated at a higher temperature to support the activity of the Taq DNA polymerase e.g. at 51° C. This was expected to work since the Taq DNA polymerase should retain approximately 40% of its highest activity at 51° C.

Furthermore, it was argued, the industrial applicability should be retained since a temperature shift two-step assay can be made invisible for the test provider and the operator by programming the real-time PCR instrument to execute the temperature shift.

Therefore and firstly, a primer-template-probe system was constructed to harmonize to the optimal thermodynamic properties for hybridization at 51° C. Taking the MgCl₂ concentration into consideration Tm for the probe was calculated to reach 69° C. In the first attempt, measuring only TK activity, surprisingly it turned out that the 37° C. incubation step had produced a fine linear graph of released and normalised fluorescence from two standard points included, i.e. activities from 2000 pg, 200 pg, 20 and 2 pg hrTK1, respectively. An R² value of 0.9669 was obtained. The linear graph of released and normalised fluorescence from the 51° C. reaction was even worse in to interpret, however still readable. Thus, it was concluded that a possible real-time assay approach for the detection of TK in a sample was at hand. What was even more surprising was the fact that the first experiment indicated the possibility to measure TK activities down to those found in serum samples from normal healthy volunteers within 1 h. This represents an improvement by 4 h from the first preliminary specification. The specific activity of the hrTK1 is estimated to 2.1 μmol/min/mg. The assay only retains the linear and the plateau (saturating) phase descriptive of real-time PCR. The surprising effect of real-time detection of TK activity at 37° C. immediately solved two other problems connected with a two-step temperature shift procedure. First, TK displays characteristic TTP inhibition. This could render the two-step assay difficult to perform for high TK activity containing samples, i.e. a dilution step would be required. Now this can be omitted since the TTP or dCTP produced is constantly being removed by the Taq DNA polymerase through the incorporation of TTP or dCTP into the primer-template system(s). Secondly, the very high polymerising rate of Taq DNA polymerase (35-100 nt per s at 72° C.) at higher temperature, such as 51° C. may cause some sever problems interpreting the assay results in real-time since higher TK activity values, even from as low as 10 U/l, will develop within minutes from start of the assay and thus severely hamper the resolution. At the same time activities from healthy volunteers may require hours before a signal can be detected due to the fact that resolution of signals requires that only a limited amount of Taq DNA polymerase U per reaction can be used. In summery; a non-evident finding was disclosed which can now be turned into an industrial applicable assay and method for the detection of deoxyribonucleoside kinase activities, FIG. 5. The sensitivity of the assay was verified in the subsequent experiment, example 3.

In summary it has now been found that the natural substrate thymidine (T) and/or deoxycytidine (dC), or a mix thereof, and a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase are essential reagents needed for measuring deoxyribonucleoside kinases catalytic concentration(s) such as TK or dCK. This can be done in a homogenous mix with other known components for a TK or dCK activity assay. The assay is made robust in performance, rapid and simple to perform and clinically safe by coupling complementation of TK or dCK catalytic activity, in a sample, with activities from other nucleoside kinases such as dTMP kinase, or cytidylate kinase, and nucleoside-diphosphate kinase present in a reaction mix. These reagents can conveniently be included in a kit and in a buffer for the production of TTP, or dCTP, with primer extension using a primer-template-detector system, each with fixed concentrations. The reagents in the reaction mix without sample will, in the rest of this document, be referred to as the master mix, abbreviated MMX. A DNA-dependent DNA polymerase may also be included in the MMX. Table 1 summarizes current prior art situation with respect to kit components incorporating a method for the determination of deoxyribonucleoside kinases. In summery none of the previous deoxyribonucleoside kinase kit claims incorporates a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and a natural T and/or dC substrate, or a mixture thereof, or a method using the same.

TABLE 1 Prior art kit components compared to the invention Kit claims W02009/ Present Reagent US2008248472 EP1385005 063254 invention RNA-dependent + − − − DNA polymerase DNA-dependent − − − + DNA polymerase dT − − − + dC (together − − − + with or replacing dT) dU (Br, I) + + + − Azidothymidine − + − − Primer + − − + Direct NA − − − + based detection Tool Template + − − + Thymidylate + − − + kinas Nucleoside + − − + di-phosphate kinase Buffer + + + +

Homogenous PCR assays for detection and measurement of nucleic acid target in a sample, such as from bacteria and viruses, have become an extremely important assay method in clinical diagnostics.

Different detecting technologies have been applied to homogenous PCR assays. These include quenching technologies using intercalating molecular detectors, and quenching probe technologies such as dually labelled FRET nucleic acid probes and the so called molecular beacon method which utilizes contact quenching nucleic acid probes.

The practice of the invention employs well known techniques in molecular biology and enzymology which are within the skills of the art. According to the invention a kit comprising a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and natural T or dC as substrate can be used in combination with several detection moieties to measure in a sample the catalytic concentrations of TK or dCK.

The kit may also be completed with a phosphotransferases such as TMPK or dCMPK and the NdPK. These components can conveniently be derived from a non-recombinant natural host or from recombinant enzyme expressed from eukaryotic or bacterial vector systems carrying the active gene of the complementing enzyme.

Design of the Primer-template-probe Detector System

In all preferred aspects of the invention it is important to design the primer-template-probe system. The choice of DNA-dependant DNA polymerase has to match the choice of the primer-template-detector.

The present invention does not require temperature cycling shifts, as with the case of real-time PCR. However, using a dual labelled single stranded and FRET quenched DNA probe as a detector, FIG. 2, the detection is easily done in real-time. The primer-template-probe system is here designed to direct the probe to hybridize before the primer to the template by constructing the probe sequence to attain a 3-15° C. higher Tm than the primer thus preferentially binding faster than the primer to the template. Even more preferred is 5-10° C. higher Tm. Most preferred is 7-9° C. higher Tm. Next the pre-requisite for a TTP or dCTP to initiate the primer extension may impose a short delay in order for the probe to preferentially bind to the template before the primer. With this detector system, FIG. 2, Taq DNA polymerase is the most preferred DNA-dependent DNA polymerase of the invention. The concentration of Taq DNA polymerase may range from 0.01-4 U per reaction. More preferred is 0.1-2 U per reaction. Even more preferred is 0.3-1 U of Taq DNA polymerase per reaction. Most preferred is 0.5 U per reaction of Taq polymerase. The design of the primer has to take the Förster radius between the quencher and the 5′-fluorphor using the 5′ nuclease assay in consideration.

Using as detector a fluorescently dual labelled single stranded DNA probe which in its intact and non-hybridized form is quenched, such as an molecular beacon probe, FIG. 3, imposes the same temperature strategy for the hybridisation step. The primer-template-probe system is designed to direct the probe to hybridize before the primer to the template by constructing the probe sequence to attain a 3-15° C. higher Tm than the primer thus preferentially binding faster than the primer to the template. Even more preferred is 5-10° C. higher Tm. Most preferred is 7-9° C. higher Tm. Next the pre-requisite for a TTP or dCTP to initiate the primer extension may impose a short delay in order for the probe to preferentially bind to the template before the primer. To carry out the detection according to the invention as described in FIG. 3, the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase has to carry a DNA strand displacement activity. With regards to this detector system of the invention the concentration of displacing DNA polymerase may range from 0.01-5 U per reaction with respect to DNA polymerase used. More preferred is 0.1-3 U per reaction.

With regards to the last detector system, FIG. 4, double stranded DNA generated through by primer extension, allows for the binding of a surface binding or intercalating fluorescent molecule, to be detected upon binding, FIG. 4. The DNA polymerase used for this detection system might preferably be a 3′→5′ exo⁻ DNA-dependant DNA polymerase exemplified with Klenow exo⁻ DNA polymerase. The concentration of the DNA polymerase may range from 0.01-4 U per reaction depending on enzyme preferred. More preferred is 0.1-2 U per reaction.

Detection of Signals from Different Detector Systems

The instrument for signal detection can preferentially be a real-time PCR instrument. No preference with respect to the heating-cooling principle or exiting and light emitting detection principle of the instrument applies to the method according to the invention.

The method according to the invention can use C_(t) values which are subsequently converted to the catalytic concentration definitions such as Unit enzyme activity per liter (U/l). It should be understood that the method according to the invention can chose between Ct value and time-unit during the signal sampling. The method uses agreed definitions for catalytic concentration.

The amount of TK or dCK in the sample is preferably determined by any of the detection methods by correlating the cycle number, at which the sum of the fluorescence increase or decrease, depending on detection system used, reaches a threshold detectable level.

Kit Design

The DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and the natural T or dC substrate may be dispensed into one or a plurality of reaction containers.

Reaction container suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention in a fluorescent detection instrument is preferably capable to keep a total volume of 20 μl's to 200 μl's. Even more preferred the reaction container is capable to keep a volume of 25 μl or 50 μl. The reaction volume of the method according to the invention can preferably range from 5 μl to 100 μl. Even more preferred reaction volume is 25 μl to 50 μl.

Sample Handling Using the Kit

Subsequent to having added the MMX to the reaction container the sample is added to the container. The container is closed and put into the measuring instrument and incubated. Fluorescent sampling commences and continues for the selected number cycles. The TK/dCK sample can preferably constitute serum or plasma. Even more preferred is serum and citrate plasma. The proportion of sample of the reaction volume shall preferably be between 1-20%.

The method according to the invention couples production of TTP or dCTP with primer extension and fluorescent signal development for the detection and determination of catalytic concentration of TK or dCK in a sample. Briefly, TTP or dCTP is produced by TK or dCK, from the sample, together with the complementing activities of TMPK, or dCMPK, and NdPK comprising the kit. TMPK, or dCMPK, and NdPK are preferably present in the reaction in excess to the highest suspected concentration of TK or dCK in a sample, e.g. >3000 U/l. With respect to NdPK, from 1× to 1000× the catalytic concentration represented by 2000 pg hrTK1 (ca. 10000 U/l). Even more preferred is a concentration of NdPK that is between 50× to 1000× the catalytic concentration represented by 2000 pg of hrTK1. With respect to TMPK, or dCMPK, from 1×-1000× the catalytic concentration represented by 2000 pg of TK is preferred. Even more preferred is a concentration that is between 5× to 100× the catalytic concentration represented by 2000 pg of hrTK1.

TTP or dCTP substrate is continuously utilized by the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, conveniently comprising the kit, to execute the primer extension reaction according to any of the three detection system to create a fluorescent signal which can subsequently be correlated to the TK or dCK catalytic concentration in the sample. It is a preferred, for all three detection system, that the template has one or a plurality of “A”s or a “G”s in the template nucleotide sequence downstream of the primer binding complementary sequence, i.e. in the 5′-direction of the template sequence, depending on what the deoxyribonucleoside kinase which is to be measured. In case of detecting deoxyguanosin kinase (dGk) the template needs one or a plurality of “C”s downstream of the primer. For the reason of clarification it is herby noted that each primer-probe-detector set, irrespective of detection system used, is at least specific with regards to template and the deoxyribonucleoside kinase this is intended to detect. Multiplex detection, i.e. detection of a plurality of deoxyribonucleoside kinases in the same reaction container, using the 5′ nuclease detection system also requires specific probe sequences and labels.

In one of the detection systems, FIG. 2, also referred to as detection system 1, the fluorescence from a single stranded oligonucleotide probe having a 5′-covalently bound fluorophor and a quencher fluorophor covalently bound to the same probe in the 3′-direction, is quenched by the action of dynamic quenching or FRET. During the course of the primer extension reaction, using pre-determined amounts of primer, template and probe, the 5′-covalently bound fluorophor is released, i.e. hydrolyzed away from the probe by the 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of the DNA-directed DNA polymerase.

In another detection system, also referred to as detection system 2, FIG. 4, the fluorescence from intercalating or surface binding fluorogenic molecules exemplified but not limited to SYBR Green I®, Picogreen® and Eva Green Dye®, is quenched, in its free or unbound state. During the course of the primer extension reaction which uses pre-determined amounts of template and one primer fluorogenic molecules are intercalated or surface bound to the double stranded DNA produced at which it start to fluoresce.

In a third detection system, also referred to as detection system 3, FIG. 3, the fluorescence from a single stranded oligonucleotide probe comprising a so called molecular beacon having a 5′-covalently bound fluorophor, a quencher fluorophore covalently bound to the same probe 3′-distal to the 5′-bound fluorophore which is quenched by the action of contact quenching or static quenching.

Prior to the onset of the incubation and real-time cycling the molecular beacon probe is denatured and allowed to hybridize to the target template. When hybridised to the template the contact quenching is released and maximum fluorescence is reached at time zero. During the course of the primer extension, using pre-determined amounts of primer, template and probe, the probe is displaced by the action of the Φ29 DNA polymerase or the Bsm large fragment DNA polymerase or the Bst Large Fragment DNA Polymerase. The two latter DNA polyermases are lacking the 3′ →5′ exonuclease activity. When the molecular beacon is displaced it retains it stem-loop structure form and contact quenching turns out the fluorescence in relation to the TTP or dCTP production per unit time. Using Dabcyl absorbs the fluorescence from the 5′ fluorphor. In all 3 detection systems detection is done in real-time

A kit related to the detection system 1 may comprise a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and a natural T or dC substrate, or Br-dU or dC, most preferably a natural T or dC substrate. Preferably the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is devoid of 3′→5′ exonuclease.

Preferably the kit includes the TMPK, or dCMPK, to a concentration of 0.001→100 ng/reaction, even more preferably 0.01→10 ng; 0.02-0.002 U/L NdPK/reaction; a γ-phosphate donor such as ATP, UTP, CTP or GTP between 0.5-15 mM, more preferably 3-6 mM most preferred 4-5 mM ATP.

A primer, 10-20 nucleotides long, more preferred 10-15 nucleotides long. The primer may be minor groove binding modified primer. Example of primer is SEQ ID: 9

A template, 50-1000 nucleotides, more preferably 75-250 nucleotides, having a 3′-proximal sequence complementary to the primer sequence; preferably the template sequence has, for the detection of TK or dCK, one or a plurality of “A”s or “G”s 1-10 nucleotides downstream of the primer binding site i.e. in the template 5′-direction, even more preferred, at the position immediately downstream of the 3′-end of the complement to the primer sequence. Most preferred one A, or one G, is positioned at the position immediately downstream of the 3′-end of the complement to the primer sequence. The nucleotide composition forming the rest of the template sequence is preferably a mixture of T's, C's and G's, for the detection of TK activity, or A's in place of G, for the detection of dCK activity, at a preferred ratio of 60-40% GC. Example of templates is SEQ ID: 7

An intercalating or surface binding fluorogenic molecule exemplified by e.g. SYBR GreenI®, Picogreen®, or Eva Green Dye®.

Furthermore the kit may include deoxynucleotide triphosphates, dGTP, dATP, TTP and dCTP.

The kit may include enzyme stabilizing reagents such as DTT or DTE, to a final concentration between 2-8 mM; BSA to a final concentration between 0.2-1% (W/V); Mg²⁺ as MgCl₂, to a concentration of 5 mM to 12 mM; most preferably 5-10 mM.

The DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is preferably at a concentration between 0.01-5 U/reaction. The natural T or dC substrate is preferably between 0.01 mM-1 mM even more preferably 0.1 mM.

In a method related to a detection system utilising an intercalating molecule the mixture of the MMX and the sample, is preferably incubated, at 36-42° C. or even more preferred at 37° C. for 30-220 min and determining the amount TK, or dCK, in a sample in real-time by correlating the number of fluorescence capturing cycles (Ct's) needed for the normalized fluorescence to cross a selected threshold level of fluorescence. Next fitting the threshold Ct crossing point to Ct's for pre-selected samples of a known number of different TK U/l, or dCK U/l, constituting standard curve, FIG. 7, for respective deoxyribonucleoside kinase. Values are extrapolated to a standard curves consisting of two to eight different catalytic concentrations of either TK or dCK, preferably any concentration between 1-3 U/l; 10-20 U/l and 50-100 U/l, 100-500 U/l and 500-1500 U/l. The standard curves comprising the differently assigned TK, or dCK.

A kit for the detection of TK or dCK using the detection system 2 may comprise a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and a natural T, or dC, substrate, or BrdU or dC. Most preferred is a natural T, or dC, substrate. Preferably the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is devoid of 3′ →5′ exonuclease, but has a 5′→3′ exonuclease activity such as e.g. Taq DNA polymerase or Tth DNA polymerase.

Preferably the kit includes TMPK or dCMPK to a concentration of 0.001-100 ng/reaction, even more preferably 0.01-10 ng; 0.02-0.002 U/L NdPK. A γ-phosphate donor is required, such as ATP, UTP, CTP or GTP, at a concentration between 0.5-15 mM, more preferably between and 4-6 mM. Most preferred 5 mM ATP.

A primer, 10 to 20 nucleotides long, may be included in the kit. Primers are exemplified of in SEQ ID: 2 and SEQ ID: 5. Most preferred the primer is 10-15 nucleotides long.

The primer may be a minor groove binding modified primer.

A template for use in detection system 2 may be included in the kit with a length of 25-200 nucleotides. Examples of the templates are shown in SEQ ID: 1 and SEQ ID: 4. The template comprises a 3′-sequence complementary to the primer and a downstream, i.e. towards the template 5′ end, a sequence complementary to the dually labelled nucleic acid probe. The template sequence may comprise one or a plurality of “A”s, or “G”s, positioned 1-10 nucleotides downstream from the 3′-end of the primer, even more preferably immediately downstream from the 3′-end of the primer. The nucleotide composition forming the rest of the template sequence is preferably a mixture of T's, C's, G's and A's at a preferred ratio of 60-40% GC. A probe, 10 to 30 nucleotides long, exemplified with SEQ ID: 3 or SEQ ID: 6, which is covalently labelled with a fluorophor and quencher pair known in the art to be functionally compatible. For example for a TK specific template the 5′ bound fluorophor of the probe may comprise a 6-FAM fluorophor label and the 3′-distal nucleotide may carry a BHQ1 quenching fluorophor label (Biosearch Technologies Inc.). For a dCK specific template the probe may carry a TET fluorophor label in place of 6-FAM together with BHQ1 bound to the 3′-distal nucleotide. The spectral difference between 6-FAM and TET is great enough (11 nm) to make it possible to distinguish between the light emitted from the two fluorophors even when running in a multiplex format. The nucleotides TTP, dCTP, dGTP and dATP may be included in the kit. The kit may include an enzyme stabilizing reagents such as DTT or DTE, to a final concentration between 2-10 mM; BSA to a final concentration between 0.2-1% (W/V); monovalent cations as salt e.g K⁻ as KCl, to concentration between 40-100 mM, most preferably 50 mM; divalent cations e.g. Mg2+ as MgCl₂ or MgSO₄, to a concentration of 5 mM to 14 mM; most preferably 7-12 mM. The DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is preferably present at a concentration between 0.01-2 U per reaction. The T or BrdU or dC substrate or the natural T or dC substrate is preferably present at a concentration between 0.01 mM-1 mM even more preferably 0.1 mM.

A method described in FIG. 2 using these kit components comprises incubating the sample and MMX preferably at 33° C. to 42° C. even more preferably at 37° C. for 30-200 minutes and in real-time and continuously capture and measure the increase in signal from the detector. Determine the amount TK or dCK in a sample preferably by correlating the number of fluorescence capturing cycles (Ct's) needed for the normalized fluorescence (i.e. the remaining fluorescence from a sample after the background fluorescence has been deducted from the total fluorescence, at least, over the first five capturing cycles after start of fluorescence capturing) to cross a selected threshold level, or by correlating to the time needed to reach the same threshold. Fitting the threshold Ct of the sample to a standard curve constructed from preselected standards of known catalytic concentrations of TK or dCK expressed in U/l. Determination of the threshold level can be done either prior to the run, by setting a fix threshold, or after the run has completed by setting the threshold level for the lowest included deoxyribonucleoside kinase activity control e.g. the negative control containing 0 U/l crossing at the last minute of the run.

A kit for the detection of TK or dCK using the detection system 3, depicted in FIG. 3, may comprise a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and the natural substrate T or dC or BrdU or dC, most preferably T or dC natural substrates. Preferably the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is a displacing active polymerase such as exemplified with Φ29 DNA polymerase or the large fragment of the Bsm DNA polymerase from Bacillus smithii (K.K. DNAFORM) or Bst DNA Polymerase Large Fragment from Bacillus stearothermophilus (New England Biolabs Inc.).

Preferably the kit includes TMPK or dCMPK to a concentration of 0.001-100 ng/reaction, even more preferably 0.01-10 ng; 0.02-0.002 U/L NdPK. A γ-phosphate donor is required, such as ATP, UTP, CTP or GTP, at a concentration between 2-8 mM, more preferably between and 4-6 mM. Most preferred is a concentration of 4 mM ATP.

A primer, 7 to 20 nucleotides long, may be included in the kit. Example of the primer is shown in SEQ ID: 9. The primer sequence may be a minor groove binding primer. Most preferred the primer is 10-16 nucleotides long.

A template may be included in the kit with a length of 30-1000 nucleotides. Example of template sequence are shown in SEQ ID:8. The template comprises a 3′-sequence complementary to the primer and a downstream, i.e. towards the template 5′ end, a sequence complementary to the dually labelled nucleic acid probe. The template sequence may comprise one or a plurality of “A”'s, or a “G”'s, positioned 1-10, more preferred is that the nucleotides are between 2-4 nucleotides downstream from the 3′-end of the primer, even more preferably immediately downstream from the 3′-end of the primer. The nucleotide composition forming the rest of the template sequence is preferably a mixture of T's, C's, G's and A's at a preferred ratio of 60-40% GC. The kit may contain a molecular beacon probe. The structure of the probe is exemplified in FIG. 3. The probe may comprise a 5′ covalently bound fluorophore and quencher fluorophore towards the 3′-end. Preferably the quencher is contact quencher fluorophore such as Dabcyl and functions according to the contact quenching principle. Examples of probe sequences are shown in SEQ ID:10. The nucleotide composition forming the rest of the template sequence is preferably a mixture of T's, C's and G's or A's at a preferred ratio of 60-40% GC.

Other components of the kit may be TTP, dCTP, dGTP, dATP or other modified nucleotides; enzyme stabilizing reagents such as DTT or DTE, to a final concentration between 2-8 mM; BSA to a final concentration between 0.2-1% (W/V); monovalent cations as salt e.g. K— as KCl, to concentration between 5-100 mM, most preferably 10 mM; divalent cations e.g. Mg²⁺ as MgCl², to a concentration of 5 mM to 12 mM; most preferably 5-10 mM.

The kit may contain a DNA polymerase having DNA strand displacement characteristics exemplified with large fragment of the Bsm DNA polymerase DNA polymerase. Even more preferred is a DNA dependant DNA polymerase having strand displacement characteristics and devoid of 3′→5′ exonuclease activity. The displacing DNA-dependent DNA polymerase is preferably at a concentration between 0.01-2 U/reaction. The T or BrdU or dC substrate or the natural T or dC substrate is preferably between 0.01 mM-1 mM even more preferably 0.1 mM.

A method described in FIG. 3 using these kit components comprises incubating the sample and MMX preferably at 33° C. to 42° C. even more preferably at 37° C. and in n real-time continuously measure the decrease in fluorescence. Determine the amount TK or dCK in a sample preferably by correlating the number of fluorescence capturing cycles (Ct's) needed for the normalized fluorescence (i.e. the remaining fluorescence from a sample after the background fluorescence has been deducted from the total fluorescence, at least, over the first five to 18 cycles after start) to cross a selected threshold level, or by correlating to the time needed to reach the same threshold. Fitting the threshold Ct of the sample to a standard curve constructed from pre-selected standards of known catalytic concentrations of TK or dCK expressed in U/1.

In WO10036359 a kit is described for assays of polymerase activities. The method and kit in WO10036359 does not discuss how polymerase activities can be detected in a sample with serum. There is a need for a kit that can detect polymerase activity in samples with serum.

EXAMPLES

The following applies to all detection systems described in this section of the document.

-   -   Reaction tubes and PCR instrument are the same for all examples         following Example 1.     -   Buffer mix is the same as for all examples following Example 1.     -   MMX is defined to comprise all components except the         deoxyribonucleoside kinase containing sample to be tested         including negative control in which the deoxyribonucleoside         kinase sample has been replaced with buffer     -   Sample can be either recombinant or purified deoxyribonucleoside         kinase or serum or plasma comprising the same.     -   Dilution of deoxyribonucleoside kinases is for all examples done         in the buffer described in Table 2.     -   Reaction volume irrespective of detection system is 25 μl.     -   All samples are run in triplicates irrespective of detection         system used.

Example 1 hrTK1 Standard Curve According to Detection System 1

A standard curve was constructed representing hrTK1 catalytic activity values from 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of hrTK1. A 0 pg standard point was included as a hrTK1 negative control and for determination of the threshold level of normalised fluorescence. Specific activity of the hrTK1 was 2.1 μmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹. Each standard point was run in triplicates. hrTK1 was diluted in TK dilution buffer, Table 2.

TABLE 2 TK dilution buffer. Reagens Final koncentration Tris-HCLpH 7.6 5.00E−02M BSA 0.50% Triton X-100  0.1% DTT 5.00E−03M

Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to contain each standard point of hrTK1 together with: NdPK from yeast diluted 500× giving a final catalytic concentration of 0.01 Unit per reaction and TMPK, diluted 50× equal to 36 ng per reaction. Specific activity for the yeast NdPK and recombinant TMPK is estimated to 5.4 and 3 μmol/min/mg respectively. Buffer-, substrate- and oligonucleotide mixes were prepared according to Table 4. A 3.2*25 μl MMX for each standard point was prepared at room temperature in a 1.5 ml polypropylene micro centrifuge tube (including the 0 pg hrTK1 negative control) by mixing: buffer-, substrate-, and oligonucleotide mixes (Table 3) together with 0.8 U of Klenow exo⁻ DNA polymerase.

TABLE 3 MMX and enzyme mix for TK determination according to detection system 1. Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments deionised water — — Buffer: Tris-HCl pH  50 mM Buffer mix Ambion. 1M stock, 8.0 (25° C.) AM9855G MgCl₂  5.0 mM Buffer mix Ambion. 1M stock, AM9530G Sigma-Aldrich AG, A- 6003. BSA 0.5% Buffer mix 10% stock solution. Heat inactivated @ 56° C. 20′. DTT  8.0 mM Buffer mix Sigma-Aldrich AG deoxyThymidine 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, (T) 89270 deoxyCytidine (dC) 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, D3897 SYBR GreenI 100 μM Substrate mix InVitrogen Inc.. Stock 0.1M dATP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0181 dGTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0181 dCTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0181 Phosphate group  4.0 mM Substrate mix Supplied by Uppsala donor ATP University Dept. of Medical Sciences SEQ ID: 9 300 nM Oligonucleotide Delivered by Cybergene Primer O33XTMB mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 7 600 nM Oligonucleotide Delivered by Cybergene Template mix AB, Sweden. O31TTSG Klenow exo⁻ 0.8 U per Fermentas AB, EP0422 fragment reaction Recombinant 36 ng per Enzyme mix Original cDNA cloned bacterial TMPK reaction into pET14b. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21- (DE3) pLys. Provided by Dr. Liya Wang NdPK 0.01 U per Enzyme mix From Sigma Aldrich AG reaction N0379 purified from bakers yeast. hrTK1, Met-106 variant. Recombinant 2 pg; 20 pg; Enzyme mix Original human cDNA human TK 200 pg cloned into pPET14b vector to yield pETKW3. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21-(DE3) pLys. Provided by Dr. Liya Wang, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology.

The 200 pg enzyme mix of was included in the No-Template-Control MMX. 25 μl was dispensed into 100 μl PCR tubes (Qiagen GmbH) in triplicates. Tubes were closed and placed into a Rotor-Gene Q 3000 (Qiagen GmbH) real-time PCR instrument. Run profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 2 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 37° C. for 15 min (4) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the SYBR Greene/FAM channel (excitation at 470 nm detection at 510 nm). Each cycle was repeated 90 times. Total assay time is 108 min.

Results.

Normalisation of fluorescence is made from cycle 1. Threshold was selected for 0 pg of hrTK1 crossing after 90 cycles (minutes). In this example a threshold at 0.000 normative fluorescence units was obtained. On the X-axis are given the activity from respective standard point given as pg of deoxyribonucleoside kinase. Each standard point carries the pg(X);Ct(y) value. An R² value of 0.965 is obtained indicating that the standard curve can serve as tool for determining the amount of TK U/1 in a sample.

Example 2 dCK Standard Curve from hrdCK According to Detection System 1

A standard curve was constructed representing hrdCK catalytic activity values from 20000 pg; 2000 pg, 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of enzyme. A 0 pg standard point was included as a hrdCK negative control and for determination of threshold level for normalised fluorescence. Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to contain each standard point of hrTK1; NdPK as in Example 1 and dCMPK diluted 50×, equal to 48 ng of enzyme per reaction (Table 4). Specific activity of recombinant dCMPK is estimated to 35 μmol/min/mg. A 3.2*25 μl MMX was prepared for each standard point at room temperature in a 1.5 ml polypropylene micro centrifuge (including the 0 pg hrdCK negative control) by mixing buffer-, substrate- and oligonucleotide mix's together with 0.8 U of Klenow exo⁻ fragment DNA polymerase. MMX preparation was the same as for Example 1 except that dCTP is replaced by TTP in the MMX. Oligonucleotide mix is according to Table 4.

TABLE 4 Oligonucleotides and enzyme mixes for measurement of hrdCK catalytic concentration according to FIG. 4 and different from example 1. Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments Substrate: 100 μM Substrate Fermentas AB. Stock TTP mix 0.1M R0181 SEQ ID: 9 300 nM Oligo- Delivered by Primer nucleotide Cybergene O33XTMB mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 12 600 nM Oligo- Delivered by Template nucleotide Cybergene O9TCSG mix AB, Sweden. Recombinant 48 ng per Enzyme mix Provided by Dr. dCMPK reaction Liya Wang. Recombinant 20 pg; Enzyme mix hrdCK. Original human dCK 200 pg; cDNA cloned into pET- 2000 pg and 9d containing a 6xHis 20000 pg tag an a thrombin cleavage site. Provided by Dr. Liya Wang.

Finally the enzyme mix from respective standard point was added. The 2000 pg enzyme mix of hrdCK was included in the NTC MMX. Next, 25 μl was dispensed into three separate PCR tubes.

Tubes were closed and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 2 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 37° C. for 15 min (4) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the SYBR GreenI®/FAM channel (excitation at 470 nm detection at 510 nm). Each cycle was repeated 90 times. Total assay time 108 min.

Results Fluorescence normalisation is from cycle 1. Threshold selected for 0 pg after 90 min. Threshold was set at 0.017 normative fluorescence units. On the X-axis are given the activity from respective standard point given as pg of deoxyribonucleoside kinase. Each standard point carries the pg(X);Ct(y) value, FIG. 4.

Example 3 hrTK1 Standard Curve According to Detection System 2

A standard curve was constructed representing catalytic activity values from, 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of hrTK1. A 0 pg standard point was included as a negative control. Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to contain the hrTK1 standard point; NdPK and TMPK as for Example 1. MMX's were prepared as for Example 1 except that 0.4 U of Taq DNA polymerase replaces the Klenow DNA polymerase and that oligonucleotides were according to Table 5. Finally, respective standard point enzyme mix was added to the each dedicated MMX. The 200 pg enzyme mix of was included in the NTC. From each standard point mix 25 μl was dispensed into three PCR tubes. Tubes were capped and placed into the PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the SYBR GreenI®/FAM channel (excitation at 470 nm detection at 510 nm). Each 1 min cycle was repeated 60 times. Total assay time 65 minutes.

TABLE 5 Oligonucleotides and DNA polymerase for hrTK1 determination according to detection system 2 different from Example1. Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments SEQ ID: 2 400 nM Oligo- Delivered by Primer nucleotide Cybergene O25XTTM mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 1 500 nM Oligo- Delivered by Template nucleotide Cybergene O24TTTM mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 3 300 nM Oligo- 5′-nucleotide labelled Probe nucleotide with 6-FAM. 3′- O26PTTM mix nucleotide labelled with -BHQ1. Delivered by Cybergene AB, Sweden. Taq DNA 0.4 U per From Fermentas UAB. polymerase reaction Dreamtaq ® EP0701.

Results

FIG. 12 depicts the raw fluorescence obtained from this experiment. The raw fluorescence was standard normalised i.e. only calculated over the first five cycles and linearized, starting from cycle 1, FIG. 5. In order to determine the number of Ct's for respective standard point, (on the X-axis), a threshold level was selected for 2 pg after approx. 60 minutes. The threshold was found to be 0.12 of normative fluorescence units (Y-axis). Ct values was determined using the built in software Rotor-gene v. 6.01 for the chosen threshold. A logarithmic regression plot of the mean of each standard point Ct (Y-axis) and pg hrTK1 value (X-axis), gave an R² value of 0.98 indicating the validity of using the obtained standard curve to determine real sample Unit activity values. The assay precision performance (CV %) results are summarised below, Table 6. Note that Ct values correspond to the activity from picograms of hrTK in the reaction. Knowing that the specific activity of this specific construct is 2.1 μmol/min/mg of enzyme it is possible to deduce the actual catalytic concentration. However since there is yet no standardization for TK activity to follow the International Unit definition i.e. 1 U=1 μmol/min/l, for simplistic reasons only corresponding “picogram” activity is given in this example.

TABLE 6 hrTK1 standardpoints - performance characteristicsExample 4 dCK standard curve from HrdCK according to detection system 2. Amount of TK activity given in equivalent — picograms Ct X s CV % 200 20.65 20.22 0.38 1.88% 200 19.93 200 20.08 20 34.65 34.76 0.22 0.63% 20 35.01 20 34.61 2 59.66 58.05 1.44 2.48% 2 56.89 2 57.61

A standard curve was constructed representing HrdCK catalytic activity values from 20000 pg; 2000 pg; 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of enzyme. A 0 pg standard point was included as a negative control. Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to contain the standard point; NdPK and dCMPK as given in Example's 1 and 2. 3.2*25 μl MMX's were prepared at room temperature in a 1.5 ml polypropylene micro centrifuge tube for each standard point (including the 0 pg dCK negative control) by mixing buffer-, substrate-, oligonucleotide mix (Table 7), together with 0.4 U of Taq DNA polymerase. Note that oligonucleotides were replaced with those given in Table 7 below. Finally, the enzyme mix from respective standard point was added to the MMX. The 20000 pg enzyme mix of was included in the NTC MMX. 25 μl of MMX and standard point mix was dispensed into three PCR tubes. Tubes were capped and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the JOE channel (excitation at 530 nm detection at 555 nm). Each cycle was repeated 60 times. Total assay time 65 minutes.

TABLE 7 MMX for determination of dCK catalytic concentration according to detection system2. Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments SEQ ID: 5 400 nM Oligo- Delivered by Primer nucleotide Cybergene O28XCTM mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 4 500 nM Oligo- Delivered by Template nucleotide Cybergene O27TCTM mix AB, Sweden. SEQ ID: 6 400 nM Oligo- 5′-nucleotide labelled Probe nucleotide with TET. The 3′- O29PCTM mix nucleotide labelled with -BHQ1. Delivered by Cybergene AB, Sweden.

Results.

Ct values for each standard point of pg dCK value were obtained as described in Example 3. The logarithmic regression of the linear fluorescence gives an R² value of 0.98 indicating the validity of using this standard curve to determine dCK activity values from real clinical samples. Precision performance results are summarised in Table 8. Linear regression on a logarithmic scale is depicted in FIG. 7.

TABLE 8 hrdCK standardpoints - Precision performance Activity from: -- of — hrdCK Ct X s CV % 20000 pg 21.76 21.61 0.17 0.80% 20000 pg 21.65 20000 pg 21.42 2000 pg 29.30 29.91 0.81 2.69% 2000 pg 30.82 2000 pg 29.60 200 pg 43.13 43.15 0.87 2.01% 200 pg 42.30 200 pg 44.03 20 pg 46.99 46.46 0.47 1.02% 20 pg 46.33 20 pg 46.07 2 pg 58.10 58.09 1.24 2.13% 2 pg 56.85 2 pg 59.33

Example 5 hrTK1 Standard Curve According to Detection System 3

Standard curve were constructed representing hrTK1 catalytic activity values from, 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of enzyme. Briefly, enzyme mixes for respective nucleoside kinase were prepared to contain the nucleoside standard point together with NdPK and TMPK as described in Example 3. A 3.2*25 μl MMX's were prepared according to Example 3 with the following exceptions: DNA-dependant DNA polymerase and oligonucleotides were replaced by those given in Table 9 below.

TABLE 9 MMX for determination of hrTK1 according to detection system 3 and different from Example 3. Assay Reagent concentration Comments SEQ ID: 9 300 nM Primer O33XTMB SEQ ID: 8 400 nM Template O32TTMB SEQ ID: 10 600 nM 5′-nucleotide labelled with Molecular beacon FAM. 3′-nucleotide labelled O35PTMB with -Dabcyl. Delivered by Cybergene AB, Sweden. Bsm DNA 1 U per From FERMENTAS AB Polymerase reaction

Finally, the enzyme mix from respective standard point was added to respective MMX. The 200 pg enzyme mix of was included in the NTC. Tubes were closed and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 37° C. for 15 min, (4) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the FAM channel repeated 90 times. Total assay time 108 minutes. Threshold selected for 0 pg at 90 minutes.

Results

Figure x depicts the decrease in raw fluorescence from displaced FAM/Dabcyl molecular beacon probes in real-time. Threshold is set at 0.012 normative fluorescence units. FIG. 14 shows the logarithmic regression of mean of obtained C_(t) values from the three standard points.

R² value is 0.96. The logarithmic regression of the linear fluorescence gives an R² value of 0.98 indicating the validity of using this standard curve to determine dCK activity values from real clinical samples.

Example 6 HrdCK Standard Curve According to Detection System 3

Standard curve were constructed representing hrdCK catalytic activity values from 2000 pg, 200 pg; and 20 pg and 2 pg of enzyme. A 0 pg standard point was included as a negative control and for setting of the threshold normalised fluorescence value. Briefly, enzyme mixes for respective nucleoside kinase were prepared to contain the nucleoside standard point; NdPK and dCMPK according to Examples 2 and 4. A 3.2*25 μl MMX's were prepared according to Example 5 with the exception of the oligonucleotides which were according to Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 MMX for determination of hrdCK catalytic concentration according to detection system 3 and different from Example 2 and 4. Assay Reagent concentration Comments SEQ ID: 9 400 nM Primer O33XTMB SEQ ID: 11 300 nM Template O42TCMB SEQ ID: 10 600 nM 5′-nucleotide labelled with Molecular beacon FAM. 3′-nucleotide labelled O35PTMB with -Dabcyl. Delivered by Cybergene AB, Sweden.

Finally, the enzyme mix from respective nucleoside and respective standard point were added to respective MMX. The 200 pg enzyme mix of was included in the NTC MMX. 25 μl was dispensed into three 100 μl PCR tubes from each standard point, capped and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the JOE channel. Each cycle was repeated 90 times. Total assay time 108 minutes.

Results.

Normalisation of fluorescent signal is from cycle 1. Threshold was selected for 0 pg after 90 minutes. The logarithmic regression of mean C_(t) values from the four standard points. R² value is 0.96.

Example 7 Multiplex Determination of hrTK1 and hrdCK According to Detection System 2 Using Mixes with Different Amounts of Respective Deoxyribonucleoside Kinase

Standard curves were constructed from a mix with different hrTK1 and hrdCK catalytic activity values given in Table 11 below. Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to comprise each standard point hrTK1/hrdCK point together with NdPK, TMPK and dCMPK according to Examples 1 and 2. MMX was prepared according to Examples 3 with the following exceptions: oligonuclotides from Example 4 was included and NdPK was 0.02 U/reaction.

TABLE 11 Multiplex mixes of TK and dCK Amount of TK in pg per Amount of dCK in pg per reaction reaction Mix # FAM signal (at 510 nm) TET signal (at 534 nm) 1 200 20 2 20 200 3 2 0 4 200 2000 5 2 20 6 200 200 7 20 2000 8 0 2000 9 200 0 NTC mix 200 200

Finally, respective enzyme mix was added to each MMX. Tubes capped and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 2 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 37° C. for 15 min (4) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the FAM/SYBR channel and from the JOE channel respectively. Each cycle was repeated 90 times. Total assay time 108 minutes. Start normalisation from cycle 1. Threshold selected for 0 pg TK after 90 minutes.

Results

FIG. 8 shows the linear regression on a logarithmic scale results from the multiplexing experiment. On the Y-axis is number of Ct's needed for detection. X-axis is the arbitrary “pg” activity from respective deoxyribonucleoside kinase. The results clearly indicate that the amount of either deoxyribonucleoside kinase has no affect on the primer extension efficiency of the other. The different slopes of the two deoxyribonucleoside kinase involved are probably due to the different specific activities that these enzymes may exhibit.

Example 8 Determination of Wildtype TK Catalytic Concentrations in Canine Serum Samples According to Detection System 2 and Correlation to TK-REA Method

Canine serum samples with a previous diagnosed malignant disease were tested for hrTK1 catalytic concentrations according to detection system 2. Each serum has previously been measured by the TK-REA method. A standard curve was included with catalytic activities from 200 pg, 20 pg and 2 pg of hrTK1. The experiment was carried out according to Example 2 with the following exceptions: 1) Serum samples TK dilution buffer replaced hrTK1 and serum was added to a final concentration of 5% i.e. 1.25 μl of serum was included in each reaction (4 μl of serum per MMX/enzyme mix); 2) Cycling profile was according to Example 1. Normalisation was from cycle 1. Threshold selected for 0 pg TK after 90 minutes.

Results

Ct's for each standard point and serum sample was obtained using the Rotor-Gene v.6.1 software (Qiagen GmbH. Linear regression on a logarithmic scale was executed on the samples and on the standard curve, FIG. 9. It could immediately be seen that 2 serums could not fit the TK-REA U/l value that was originally obtained. A third serum having a value of “>80” could neither be fitted in since there was no way this could fit into the line. These three serums therefore were deemed “outliers” and a regression line excluding these three serum was constructed. The equation for the standard points and for the serum samples, excluding three outliers (“>80”, 33.2 and 9.8 TK-REA U/l), differs only by 2.4 Ct's with respect to the slope of the curve. It is evident that the two curves share the same slope. In estimating the U/l resulting from serum in this Example, using the method according to the invention, this is done solely using the regression line equation for the serum points i.e. equation y=−10.79 Ln(x)+93.784. Correlating pg hrTK1 to the serum sample regression line is solved by using the equation U/l=e^((11.79 ln(pg(x))+21.085)/10.67) with respect to the “pg” activity amount of TK given for the standard point regression curve. In FIG. 9 each standard point is represented with [“pg” TK(X); Ct (Y)] and each serum is represented with [“TK-REA U/l”TK(X); Ct (Y)] The R² value is given for each curve. “OL” in FIG. 9 denotes Outlier serum. Results from FIG. 9 together with precision data are tabulated in Tables 12 and 13. Interestingly the “>80 U/l” sample could be estimated using the method according the invention to carry 450 U/l TK-REA corresponding units without any need for dilution by extrapolation to the prolonged serum regression line.

TABLE 12 Estimated TK-REA U/I value for the pg amount of hrTK1 and standard point precision data hrTK1 Estimated — Stdpoint TK-REA U/I X Ct CV % 200 pg 2013 13.19 1.23% 20 pg 158 31.53 4.49% 2 pg 12.4 67.46 9.28%

TABLE 13 Correlation of canine serum TK-REA U/I values to values obtained using the method according to detection system 2 standard curve with test precision data (intra assay CV %). Estimated U/I Given — Given Corrected Serum used Serum # TK-REA U/I X Ct CV % U/(1.25 μl) U/I Inrgression 5928372 33.2 62.21 5.62% 4.15E−5 15.4 No 5927710 9.8 79.70 5.06% 1.23E−5 3.0 No 8092194 >80 26.36 3.37% >1.0E−4 444 No (see note) 5924810 12.9 62.09 5.32% 1.61E−5 15.6 Yes 8092350 2.5 83.69 5.39% 3.13E−6 2.1 Yes 8093159 36.7 54.23 2.68% 4.59E−5 32.6 Yes 5926861 2.7 79.49 5.99% 3.28E−6 3.1 Yes

Example 9 Determination of Serum Spiked hrTK1 Samples Using the SYBR Green I Technical Principle, i.e. Detection System 1

Serum from canines, for which TK1 activity previously had been measured using the TK-REA product from Diasorin s.r.I., (Saluggia Italy), was tested using the SYBR Green technical principle. Standard curve samples, representing catalytic activity from 40 pg, 20 pg, 4 pg,

2 pg and 0 pg of hrTK1, spiked with 10% human normal serum from a blood donor, were measured alongside the serum samples (final 10%). The 0 pg spiked standard point sample was included as a negative control and threshold determinant of normalised fluorescence. Briefly, enzyme mixes were prepared to contain 0.002 U NdPK, and 18 ng per reaction of dTMP kinase, each hrTK1 standard point sample or each serum sample. Buffer-, substrate- and oligonucleotide mixes were prepared according to Table 3. A MMX for each sample was prepared at room temperature in a 1.5 ml polypropylene microcentrifuge tube by mixing water, mixe's and 0.5 U of Klenow exo⁻ DNA polymerase (Fermentas AG). A MMX 200 pg hrTK1 the enzyme mix standard point sample was used as No-Template-Control (NTC).

TABLE 14 MMX for determination serum spiked hrTK1 using the SYBER GreenI technical principle, i.e. according to detection system 1. Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments deionised water — — Buffer: 50 mM Buffer mix Ambion 1M stock, AM9855G Tris-HCl pH 8.0 (25° C.) MgCl₂ 5.0 mM Buffer mix Ambion 1M stock, AM9530G BSA 0.5% Buffer mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, A-6003. 10% stock solution. Heat inactivated @ 56° C. 20′. DTT 8.0 mM Buffer mix Pharamcia Biotech 17- 131024 Thymidine (T) 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, 89270 deoxyCytidine 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, D3897 (dC) SYBR GreenI 1X Substrate mix InVitrogen Inc. S32717 Stock is 10000 according to manufacturers Certificate of Analysis dATP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0141 dGTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0161 dCTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas UAB. Stock 0.1M R0151 ATP 4.0 mM Substrate mix Supplied by Uppsala University Dept. of Medical Sciences SEQ ID: 7 300 nM Oligonucleotide Cybergene AB, Sweden. Template mix O31TTSG SEQ ID: 9 600 nM Oligonucleotide Cybergene AB, Sweden. Primer mix O33XTMB dTMP Kinase 18 ng per Enzyme mix Recombinant bacterial. reaction Original cDNA cloned into pET14b. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21-(DE3) pLys. NdPK 0.002 U per Enzyme mix Sigma-Aldrich AG N0379, reaction purified from bakers yeast. hrTK1 2 pg; 4 pg; Enzyme mix Met-106. Original human 20 pg; 40 pg cDNA cloned into pPET14b to yield pETKW3. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21-(DE3) pLys. Klenow exo⁻ 0.5 U per Fermentas AG, EP0422 fragment reaction

Samples were dispensed; tubes were closed and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Run profile was: (1) Hold at 40° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 30° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 35° C. for 10 min (4) Cycling: 35° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the SYBR GreenI® channel (excitation at 470 nm detection at 510 nm). Each cycle was repeated 60 times.

Results.

Normalisation of fluorescence was acquired and made linear from cycle 1 using standard normalisation, FIG. 10, (i.e. mean fluorescence from the first five cycles were used to determine the background fluorescence which is deduced from the fluorescence obtained from the subsequent cycles according to the software provider). NTC threshold (cut-off) is 4% of the sample with the highest increase in fluorescence. Ct values were determined using the built in software Rotor-gene v. 6.01 (Corbett Research, Australia) for the chosen threshold. Threshold was selected for 0 pg of hrTK1 crossing after approximately 56 cycles (Ct's). In this example a threshold at 0.03295 normative fluorescence units was obtained. FIG. 11 depicts linear regression on a logarithmic scale of Ct values obtained. On the X-axis are given the activity from respective sample, either as pg of hrTK1 or as TK-REA U/l. Each sample point carries the pg/TK-REA U/l(X);Ct(y) value. An linear regression and R² score of 0.9688 was obtained for the serum spiked hrTK1 standard point samples indicating that the correlation is good enough for determining the amount of TK U/l in a sample. A Students t-test was applied to the two separate regression curves in order to further determine the relationship between the slopes. Due to the small data-set the t-test was calculated manually. The test was performed with equal variance but with unequal sample size. A score of 0.07 on the data set indicated that there is a high probability that the slopes may be considered as being equal.

Example 10 hrTK1 Standard Curve Obtained Using the Strand Displacement Technical Principle, i.e. According to Detection System 3

A standard curve was constructed representing catalytic activity values from, 80 pg, 40 pg, 20 pg, 8 pg, 4 pg, 2 pg and 0 pg of hrTK1. Briefly, MMX's were prepared for each standard point as described in example 2 and Table 7.

TABLE 15 MMX for determination of hrTK1 according to the displacement principle Assay Reagent concentration mix Comments deionised water — — Tris-HCl pH 8.0 (25° C.) 50 mM Buffer mix Ambion 1M stock, AM9855G MgCl2 7.0 mM Buffer mix Ambion 1M stock, AM9530G KCL 10 mM Buffer mix Ambion 2M stock, AM9640G BSA 0.5% Buffer mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, A- 6003. 10% stock solution. Heat inactivated @ 56° C. 30′. DTT 8.0 mM Buffer mix Pharamcia Biotech 17-131024 Thymidine (T) 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, 89270 deoxyCytidine (dC) 100 μM Substrate mix Sigma-Aldrich AG, D3897 dATP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas AG. Stock 0.1M R0141 dCTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas AG. Stock 0.1M R0151 dGTP 100 μM Substrate mix Fermentas AG. Stock 0.1M R0161 ATP 4.0 mM Substrate mix Supplied by Uppsala University Dept. of Medical Sciences dTMP Kinase 18 ng per Enzyme mix Recombinant bacterial. reaction Original cDNA cloned into pET14b. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21- (DE3) pLys. NdPK 0.002 U per Enzyme mix From Sigma Aldrich AG reaction N0379 purified from bakers yeast. hrdTK1 2 pg; 4 pg; Enzyme mix Met-106 variant. Original 8 pg 20 pg; human cDNA cloned into 40 pg, 80 pg pPET14b vector to yield pETKW3. Protein expressed and purified from E. coli host BL21- (DE3) pLys. SEQ ID: 9 400 nM Oligonucleotide Delivered by Cybergene Primer O33XTMB mix AB, Sweden SEQ ID: 8 300 nM Oligonucleotide Delivered by Cybergene Template O32TTMB mix AB, Sweden SEQ ID: 10 600 nM Oligonucleotide 5′-nucleotide labelled with Molecular beacon mix FAM. 3′-nucleotide labelled O35PTMB with - BHQ1. Delivered by Cybergene AB, Sweden Bsm DNA polymerase 1 U per From Fermentas AG reaction

The 80 pg hrTK1 containing enzyme mix of was included in the NTC. MMX′s were dispensed, tubes were closed and placed into the real-time PCR instrument. Cycling profile was: (1) Hold at 42° C. for 1 min, (2) Hold at 35° C. for 1 min, (3) Hold at 37° C. for 15 min, (4) Cycling: 37° C. for 30 s→37° C. 30 s with signal acquisition to the FAM channel repeated 90 times. Total assay time 108 minutes. Threshold selected for 0 pg at 90 minutes.

Results

FIG. 12 depicts the decrease from normalised fluorescence from displaced FAM molecular beacon hairpin probes in real-time. The normalisation method used was Dynamic tube normalisation according to the software providers instruction (Corbett-Research) Threshold is set at—(minus) 0.02118 normative fluorescence units. FIG. 13 shows the linear regression on a logarithmic scale of the mean C_(t) values obtained from the six standard points. R² value is 0.9422 indicating that the standard curve may be applied for determination of TK activities in clinical samples from serum or plasma.

REFERENCES

-   -   Eriksson S, Munch-Petersen B, Johansson K, Eklund H. Structure         and function of cellular deoxyribonucleoside kinases. Cell Mol         Life Sci. 2002 59(8):1327-46.     -   Topolcan O and Holubec L. Jr. The role of thymidine kinase in         cancer diseases. Expert. Opin. Med. Diagn. 2008 2(2): 129-141     -   Patents: US2008/0248472, EP1385005, WO2009/063254 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A kit comprising: (i) a DNA dependent DNA polymerase, (ii) at least one natural deoxynucleoside, and (iii) a detection system comprising a DNA template molecule, a DNA primer molecule, and a fluorescent moiety capable of being displaced from, or bound to, dsDNA synthesized by said DNA dependent DNA polymerase.
 2. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one phosphotransferase.
 3. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one modified deoxynucleoside.
 4. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one modified deoxynucleoside chosen from deoxythymidine and/or deoxycytidine.
 5. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent moiety is coupled to a single stranded DNA probe.
 6. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent moiety and a quenching moiety are coupled to a single stranded DNA probe.
 7. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent moiety is a double stranded DNA surface binding or intercalating molecule.
 8. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent moiety bound to the single stranded DNA probe is quenched when said probe is in its intact form.
 9. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the DNA dependent DNA polymerase has 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity.
 10. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent moiety bound to the single stranded DNA probe attains maximum fluorescence when in its intact form and hybridized to its target template.
 11. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the DNA dependent DNA polymerase is a displacing active polymerase. 